MILLVILLE, MN (July 16, 2012) – The Rockstar Energy Racing teams overcame adversity and turned in solid performances all around at the Spring Creek National in Millville, MN, on Saturday. This weekend’s race was round seven of the 12-round series, and marked the beginning of the second half of an already hard-fought season.

The man of the hour at Millville was Rockstar Energy Racing’s Blake Wharton, who was the picture of consistency this weekend. Wharton put in two impressive 250 motos, finishing sixth in the first and fifth in the second, for an overall result of fifth for the day.
“Today was a real good day for me,” said Wharton. “My starts weren’t where I wanted them to be, but I felt like I was able to ride good. My bike was handling good and I feel one step closer to where I need to be. I’m looking forward to next weekend. I like the track at Washougal and we’ll see if we can do some damage.”

Rockstar Energy Racing teammate Jason Anderson also had a strong showing in the 250 class, and finished several spots behind Wharton. Anderson brought home eighth- and 10th-place moto finishes, for a final result of ninth overall.

“It was a decent weekend,” said Anderson. “I had two pretty good motos. I ended up going eight/10 for ninth overall, and now I’m ready to head to Washougal. I had a few issues in the second moto, but all in all, it was a good day. I have a few areas to work on, but I’m looking forward to taking care of that and racing at Washougal.”

Rounding out the 250 class for Rockstar Energy Racing was Hunter Hewitt, who struggled with the humidity and fatigue. Despite that, Hewitt remains optimistic and is looking forward to the next race.

“I had two good starts, but in the first moto I went down on the first lap,” said Hewitt. “It was really humid and I wasn’t feeling good. I was tired out by the third lap, and I’ve put in too much work to come out and get tired on the third lap. I didn’t expect it, so I’m going to see a doctor next week and see if we can take care of this before Washougal.”
Rockstar Energy Racing’s Martin Davalos remains out due to injury but hopes to return before the end of the season. Rockstar teammate Jessica Patterson, in the WMX class, is also recovering from injury and will be back for Washougal.

Also racing the 250 class for Rockstar Energy was Star Valli Yamaha’s Kyle Peters. Although he crashed a few weeks back and separated his shoulder, the rookie still attempted the Millville race. He got a great start in the first moto and ran in a podium position before succumbing to the injury and finishing 14th. Peters didn’t race the second moto.

“In the first moto, I got off to a really good start,” said Peters. “I came out third, but I couldn’t really hold on to the bike. Right before RedBud, I crashed and had a third degree AC separation. I tried to race but I just couldn’t hold on, and that pretty much ended my day.”

Rockstar Energy Star Valli Racing teammate Gareth Swanepoel also had a tough first 250 moto but turned in a solid effort. The South African overcame a poor start and worked his way to 10th place. Unfortunately, on the last lap Swanepoel came together with another rider and injured his leg and could not race the second moto.

“In the first moto, I got a terrible start,” said Swanepoel. “I had to come from the mid-20s all the way up to 10th. I felt really strong and good the whole race and was pushing really hard on the last lap, when I tagged another rider in the air, and I put my foot out and fractured my tibia. So I have to go to the doctor next week and get it fixed so I can be ready to race as soon as possible.”

Likewise, new Rockstar Energy replacement rider Tommy Weeck, who successfully debuted with Star Valli Yamaha last weekend, broke his leg in a practice crash during the week and could not race.

In the 450 class, Rockstar Energy Star Valli Yamaha’s Ryan Sipes was recuperating from a crash last weekend, but still gave 100 percent. In the first moto, he got a fair start and clicked off clean laps to finish 13th. In the second moto, Sipes went down while running seventh and was unable to finish the race.

“It was an OK weekend,” said Sipes. “I’ve had better, but I’ve also had worse. But Millville is behind us now, so I’m focusing on getting ready for Washougal next weekend and coming back strong.”

Star Valli Yamaha teammate Bobby Kiniry did not race this weekend as he is currently campaigning the Canadian Nationals, but the Rockstar Energy rider will return for the Unadilla National next month. Also, Star Valli Yamaha teammate Nico Izzi did not race after sustaining an injury in a crash last weekend at RedBud. Izzi hopes to be back racing as soon as possible.

Rockstar’s Nick Wey raced this weekend but crashed in the first moto and dislocated his hip. Likewise, Rockstar Energy rider Brett Metcalfe is recovering from injury and will be out for the rest of the season.

The next event for the Rockstar Energy Racing teams is the eighth round of the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday, July 21st, at the Washougal National in Washougal, WA.

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